Cannabis

Cannabis rules and regulations in Canada

Non-medical cannabis use

The use, purchase and possession of cannabis for non-medical purposes is legal for adults in Canada, beginning October 17, 2018.

What is cannabis?

Cannabis is a flowering plant that can be used for medical or non-medical purposes. The dried leaves, flowers and buds or pressed resin can be smoked, vaporized, applied as an oil or consumed in food or beverages.

Cannabis contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a substance that can affect mood and feelings, as well as increase appetite. Another cannabinoid is called cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high or intoxication.

Is cannabis safe?

Cannabis use is a personal choice, but comes with health risks. This includes cognitive, respiratory and reproductive problems. It is safest not to use cannabis.

Young people are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of cannabis, which is linked to health, educational and social problems.

If you do consume cannabis, stay safer by following these steps:

  • Delay using cannabis until at least your late 20’s when the brain is fully mature
  • Choose lower-risk cannabis products – avoid high-potency and synthetic products
  • Choose safer ways to use cannabis – avoid smoking cannabis, inhaling deeply and holding your breath
  • If you use cannabis, limit your use to lower your risks
  • Never use and then drive or operate other machinery
  • Don’t mix with alcohol or other recreational drugs
  • Go slow with edibles – be patient, the effects of cannabis edibles are felt slowly and people may consume large doses and experience more severe impairment
  • Keep your cannabis products at home in a secure place, out of sight and reach of children and pets

Is cannabis addictive?

Cannabis can be addictive. The younger people start using cannabis, and the more frequently it’s used, the greater the risk to develop a cannabis dependency. Close to 1 in 10 adults who have ever used cannabis will develop a dependency to it. For people who start using cannabis as teens, that rises to 1 in 6.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use disorder with cannabis or other drugs, help is available.

Are the health effects of cannabis different for teens?

Young people are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of cannabis, which is linked to health, educational and social problems.

Cannabis can change the way the brain grows and develops. Regular use of cannabis may affect brain development up to at least age 25.

The younger people begin to use cannabis, the greater the risk to develop a cannabis dependency.

What about medicinal cannabis?

Talk to your health care provider about using cannabis for health concerns.

What about cannabis edibles?

As of October 17, 2019 the Regulations under the Cannabis Act were updated to include rules for the legal production and sale of three new classes of cannabis, namely edible cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals.

 

Why are there restrictions on where I can smoke cannabis?

There is no safe level of second-hand smoke. Harmful particles from tobacco, cannabis and vaping can be carried up to six metres in outdoor settings.

Northern Health facilities and grounds are smoke-free. Check with your local government to learn about no-smoking/vaping bylaws in your area.

Is it legal to use cannabis and drive?

Never use and then drive or operate other machinery. It is illegal, and driving while impaired by cannabis can result in death or injury. For more information, see the Don’t Drive High website. BCAA’s campaign against driving under the influence of cannabis.

 

Can people use cannabis in health-care facilities (visitors, residents, staff)?

Visitors, residents and staff are prohibited from the distribution, consumption and/or sale of non-medical cannabis at Northern Health facilities and premises.

This includes any events and meetings held in Northern Health facilities.

Northern Health facilities and grounds are smoke-free. Smoking and/or vaping are not permitted in Northern Health facilities or grounds.

Learn more about the health effects of cannabis

Cannabis health effects - Health Canada
Cannabis and your health - HealthLink BC

For more information contact us at legalsubstances@northernhealth.ca

If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use disorder with cannabis or other drugs, help is available. Call 8-1-1 for non-emergency advice 24/7

Additional resources